What to Do When Your AC Freezes Up in the Middle of Summer

There’s nothing more frustrating than your air conditioner freezing—especially in the middle of a scorching summer day. You might notice warm air blowing from your vents or see ice forming on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil. Either way, a frozen AC means one thing: your system isn’t working properly, and your home will get hotter by the minute.

While it may sound strange that your AC freezes during extreme heat, it’s actually a common issue. Restricted airflow, low refrigerant levels, or even dirty coils can all lead to freezing. Fortunately, it’s often fixable—but only if you act quickly and understand the root cause.

AC Freezes up

Common Causes of Frozen AC Coils

These are the most frequent reasons AC units freeze up during hot weather:

  • Dirty air filters
  • Blocked or closed vents
  • Low refrigerant levels
  • Malfunctioning blower motor
  • Dirty or clogged evaporator coils

Many of these problems restrict airflow or reduce the system’s ability to transfer heat, causing condensation to freeze on the coils.

What to Do When Your AC Freezes

If your system has frozen up, don’t panic—start by turning it off and following these steps:

  • Turn off the AC and turn on the fan – This helps melt ice on the coils and get airflow moving again.
  • Check and replace your air filter – A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of restricted airflow.
  • Open all vents and registers – Make sure nothing is blocking the air return or supply vents.
  • Inspect the coils and refrigerant lines – Look for ice buildup or frost on visible parts of the unit.
  • Call a professional – If freezing happens again, you may have a deeper issue like a refrigerant leak or faulty part.

Once the ice melts, your system may resume cooling—but a deeper inspection is always recommended.

How to Prevent AC Freezing in the Future

Avoiding frozen coils in the future comes down to regular maintenance and good airflow. If your system is clean and operating efficiently, freezing is much less likely—even during peak heat.

Seasonal tune-ups, filter replacements, and airflow checks are key. A licensed technician can also inspect refrigerant levels and catch small issues before they cause major system interruptions.

Get Fast Help from the AC Pros

At Shalom Heating & Air, we know how urgent AC issues are—especially during a summer heatwave. Our expert technicians can quickly diagnose and fix frozen systems, and help you prevent future issues with customized maintenance plans.

Don’t sweat it out another day. Call us for reliable service and lasting comfort when your system freezes up.

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